Certificate Courses for Political Science Students: Career Opportunities, Expected Salary

Politics is a subject that everyone is aware of and is familiar with. It is not only a topic covered in schools and institutions. It is a great way to get ready to be a productive, accountable citizen. Political science focuses on the importance of political elements, including participation and the role they play in improving a country.

Learning about democracy, judicial systems, a nation's constitution, national identity, and political situations comes from studying political science. A profession in this area can teach you how to comprehend political ideas and foreign policy and even open up several options on a local and global scale. In India, there are numerous ways to enrol in certificate programmes in political science.

Many political science certification courses are provided in India beginning with the 10th grade. One might need to acquire further degrees in order to find employment in this sector. After high school, you can enrol in political science courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, you can enrol for online political science certification programmes and diploma programmes.

Why are Certificate Courses Important?

In many universities, the curriculum tends to focus more on theoretical aspects rather than practical applications. Even if you engage in projects or practicals, the emphasis is often on securing good grades rather than gaining hands-on experience.

Certificate courses, available in the market, bridge this gap by enhancing your skills across various dimensions. They expand your knowledge in areas aligned with market needs, equip you with the ability to handle real-life situations, and develop your personality to thrive in the industry.

For Political Science students, there exists a plethora of certificate courses that perfectly complement their studies. These courses enhance knowledge and skills in specific domains, allowing students to gain a competitive edge in their chosen field.

Here are some certificate courses that are relevant to Political Science students:

1. Indian Government and Politics

Under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), Swayam is providing a core course in Indian Government and Politics for B.A. Political Science students. The purpose of this course is to give the learner knowledge and comprehension of the theoretical, philosophical, and practical components of Indian politics.

The course will provide insight into various viewpoints on the Indian political system, social movements, and constitutional requirements. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the Indian political system from a variety of perspectives, the philosophical underpinnings of our Indian Constitution, the implementation of the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles set forth in the Constitution, the institutional makeup and functions of Indian politics, social issues in India and political responses to them, the political economy of our state, and the nature and scope of our national security.

Platform: By Kashmir University via Swayam

Duration: 12 Weeks

Fees: Free

2. MGPE-008: Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution

The Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution course, which carries four credits, is delivered entirely online. Students majoring in humanities and social sciences who are particularly interested in the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his original ideas may find the course to be of significant academic value. The Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi offers the course on the Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution as a part of its Programme in Gandhi and Peace Studies. The goal of the course is to teach students about Gandhian approaches to peace.

Platform: By IGNOU Delhi via Swayam

Duration: 12 Weeks

Fees: Free

3. Introduction to Political Theory

SWAYAM's Introduction to Political Theory is divided into a 12-week study period. Through theoretical and environmental studies, students will get an understanding of political principles. They will be equipped to express their independent thoughts on democracy and politics and be able to comprehend the political ideals that underpin society.

The Introduction to Political Theory certification syllabus examines ideas of equality, justice, liberty, and freedom in a nation. It is designed for undergraduate students. Students can move on to the following subject once they have finished the week's learning module. When unsure, students will be given literature recommendations. This introductory course, created by IIT Guwahati, is available to all engineering, social science, and humanities students. By meeting the requirements for the course, candidates can obtain the Introduction to Political Theory certification.

Platform: By IIT Guwahati via Swayam

Duration: 12 Weeks

Fees: Free

4. Globalization and Culture

The goal of the online course "Globalisation and Culture" is to help students better comprehend the idea of "Globalisation" and how it affects society, culture, and the rest of the globe. Through this course, students can learn about the many facets of globalisation, including financial markets, new media, and other communication technologies. The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) and the Swayam online learning platform are offering this course as a free educational resource.

Through videos, lectures, weekly projects, and group discussions, the students in this course will be able to analyse and discuss both the theoretical and practical aspects of globalisation. Students can earn a certificate and credit points at the conclusion of this elective course that is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education by taking the "Globalisation and Culture" online certification course.

Platform: By IIT Kharagpur via Swayam

Duration: 8 Weeks

Fees: Free

5. International Relations Politics in Turbulent Times

Companies increasingly seek employees with solid knowledge of the current state of world politics as trade and business become more globally interconnected. You may master the complexities of international politics and the political difficulties facing diplomacy in the twenty-first century with the help of FutureLearn's International Relations: Politics in Turbulent Times programme.

The microcredential course is provided by the University of Kent. Students will be fully informed about the culture disputes between conservatives and liberals, the COVID-19 epidemic and its economic effects, the US-China trade wars, and more after completing the International Relations: Politics in Turbulent Times module. The geopolitical rivalry, neoliberalism, climate change, the distribution of power from 1945 to the present, and the limits of global governance are all covered in the curriculum.

Students who have an undergraduate degree in any subject area and are fluent in written and spoken English are eligible for the microcredential. The International Relations: Politics in Turbulent Times online certification course lasts 12 weeks. The University of Kent's world-renowned research centre will award graduates with a certification in politics and international relations. At the postgraduate level, the university will also grant students 15 UK credits.

Platform: By University of Kent, Canterbury via Futurelearn

Duration: 12 Weeks

Fees: 73784 INR

Career Opportunities in Political Science

After finishing your online political science courses, you can look into a variety of positions in both the public and commercial sectors. The civil service, international relations, academics, the media, government agencies, embassies, political parties, and many more fields are all viable employment options. You can also work as an activist for NGOs or start your own NGO. Additionally, you can attend state legislatures or run for office.

Below are some of the job options available to you after political science courses

Political Scientist
Policy Analyst
Legislative Analyst
Political Journalist
Teacher/ Professor
Public Relations Specialist
Social media manager

Expected Salary in Political Science

The pay for political science employment can be significantly influenced by a candidate's educational background, job type, talents, and experiences. Political science certification course graduates can expect a handsome income and steady job advancement. The average annual pay for political scientists in India is Rs. 585000 according to PayScale. Depending on the job type and amount of experience, the salary may change.